Who's Who in the Malaysian Education Industry
Academician Professor Emerita Datuk Dr Asma Ismail, FASc
Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive Officer
International Medical University (IMU)
Professor Emerita Datuk Dr Asma Ismail assumed the role of Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer at IMU University on August 1, 2024. She previously served as the President of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia and as the Science, Technology and Innovation Advisor to the Prime Minister. Currently, she holds the Ibnu Sina Chair for Medicine at the International Islamic University Malaysia and serves as Pro-Chancellor at University College MAIWP International. Dr Asma is a member of the board for Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and participates in various panels, including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the Think Tank Council at Talent Corp Malaysia. She chairs the Planetary Health Action Plan for Malaysia and was appointed a Senior Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia in May 2024.
Dr Asma is a trailblazer in higher education, being the first female Vice-Chancellor of both Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia and Universiti Sains Malaysia, as well as the first female Director-General of Higher Education in Malaysia. Her accolades include being the first female President of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia and the inaugural female Chairperson of the Malaysian Qualifications Agency. She was also the first woman to serve as the National Science Advisor to the Prime Minister. She has received significant recognition, being elected to prestigious academies such as the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (2003), The Academy of Sciences for the Developing World (TWAS, 2010), and the Islamic World Academy of Sciences (2016).
Her contributions to the science and education sectors are globally recognised, with her work resulting in 16 patents, including the WHO-advocated rapid diagnostic test for typhoid, TYPHIDOT. Dr Asma has been honored with over 270 awards, reflecting her impactful contributions at both national and international levels. She has published more than 130 papers, delivered over 540 invited talks, and given more than 90 keynote addresses worldwide.
In her efforts to enhance Malaysia's higher education landscape, Dr Asma was instrumental in establishing the National Academic Award and Research Universities in Malaysia, as well as in developing The Malaysian Education Blueprint (Higher Education) 2013–2025. She is currently involved in revising the higher education blueprint for 2026–2035 and serves on the Higher Education Advisory Panel under the Ministry of Higher Education. Committed to fostering future generations, she has participated in selecting recipients for numerous international awards, demonstrating her dedication to supporting fellow scientists and enhancing educational excellence.
